Rochester Firefighters Toy Bank gets boost from new business

Monday

Oct 15, 2012 at 3:15 AM

By Samantha Allensallen@fosters.com

ROCHESTER— Outside the new Buffalo Wild Wings at Rochester Crossing, the Rochester Fire Department recently received a generous donation from the establishment which will go toward their 16th annual Firefighters Toy Bank. Owner Jeff Applegate presented a check for $620 to local firefighters and Chief Norm Sanborn, who all pulled up in a big red truck outside the bright yellow restaurant on Washington Street. Capt. Paul LaClair said the money will go to the department’s annual toy bank fundraiser, where the department works for weeks before the Christmas holiday to gather gifts to provide families for their children. “The Seacoast Firefighters started (the Seacoast Firefighters Area Toy Bank). We got involved about 16 years ago and there’s just a need in the city,” LaClair said. “We took care of 750 kids last year who needed help, so we’re always looking for donations.”LaClair said with such a large sum from Buffalo Wild Wings, he was humbled to think of even more families local firefighters could assist this year. “It’s excellent and it’s going to buy a lot of toys,” he said. “We allow kids to pick three toys and we make sure they get at least one toy on their list. With this money, we’ll make sure they get at least one thing they want.” With the sports-themed family-friendly restaurant opening just a short time ago, Applegate said his company is devoted to being “community oriented,” right out of the gate. “We could give to national charities, and we have in the past, but we find giving to the local charities on a community-level is more beneficial for us, and for the fire department,” he said. “And we like toy drives … We just like starting with the kids and working our way up into the community.”LaClair said he is grateful for Buffalo Wild Wings’ help and said he has also invited them to participate in wrapping their collected donated toys this December, before sending them out to households. A fundraiser for the toy bank will also be held at Uno Chicago Grill at 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover on Nov. 22, from 4 p.m. until Nov. 24 at close, with 20 percent of all sales to benefit the cause. On Nov. 23, the public is invited from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to meet local firefighters, their trucks and their dogs. The Rochester, Somersworth and Dover Fire departments participating in that event say they hope to “have enough toys to fill the fire truck three times.” On Dec. 2, the Rochester Fire Department invites the public to attend a Soup, Chili and Chowder Fest as well, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Columbus Ave. Entry for a competition to sample all of the soups and stews is $5, with all proceeds going to the toy bank. Participants in the contest are invited to bring their winning dish to the hall by 10:30 a.m. that day.The Rochester Firefighters Toy Bank works to assist children ranging from infancy to 14 years. The public is invited to drop off new, unwrapped gift items at the fire station at 37 Wakefield St. throughout the winter season. Monetary contributions can be mailed to Rochester Fire Department Toy Bank c/o Rochester Fire Department, 37 Wakefield St., Rochester, N.H., 03867. Capt. Paul LaClair or department Executive Secretary Cindi can be reached at 603-335-7545, or email cindi.potts@rochesternh.net for more information.

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